Maruti Jimny

Engines, mileage, and running cost

The Jimny is powered exclusively by Maruti's 1.5-litre K15B naturally aspirated petrol engine, displacing 1462 cc and producing 104.8 PS at 6000 RPM with 134.2 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM. Two gearbox options are available: a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque-converter automatic. The engine is BS6 Phase II compliant and E20 fuel compatible, keeping it future-ready.

ARAI-claimed mileage is 16.94 kmpl for the manual and 16.39 kmpl for the automatic — respectable numbers for a body-on-frame 4×4. However, Autocar India's real-world instrumented tests paint a more realistic picture: the manual returned 10.86 kmpl in the city and 14.74 kmpl on the highway, while the automatic managed 10.04 kmpl city and 13.56 kmpl highway. The fuel tank capacity is 40 litres, giving a practical highway range of roughly 540–590 km on a full tank with the manual.

Running costs are kept in check by Maruti's widespread service network and the relatively simple naturally aspirated engine — no turbo, no complex hybrid system. Scheduled service intervals and parts availability are strong advantages over rivals like the Force Gurkha.

Performance and drive

With 104.8 PS on tap and a kerb weight of around 1,205 kg, the Jimny is not a quick car by modern standards — Autocar India recorded a 0–100 kph time of 17.47 seconds for the automatic. The engine feels adequate in the city and on highways up to 100 kph, but overtaking at high speeds requires planning. The 4-speed automatic is a notably older unit compared to the 6-speed automatics found in rivals, and it can feel hesitant during aggressive acceleration.

Where the Jimny truly shines is off the tarmac. The ALLGRIP PRO system offers three modes: 2H for normal road use, 4H for slippery or loose surfaces, and 4L (low-range) for serious rock crawling and steep descents. The 3-link rigid axle suspension with full-width rigid axles front and rear delivers exceptional wheel articulation. Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Assist further boost confidence on steep terrain. The 210 mm ground clearance and short overhangs mean the approach and departure angles are genuinely trail-worthy.

On-road dynamics are a mixed bag. The steering is on the heavier side and requires effort, particularly at parking speeds — a point noted consistently in owner reviews. The manual gearbox has a clunky, long-throw action that enthusiasts find less satisfying than expected. Ride quality is firm, as expected from a ladder-frame platform, and the short wheelbase of 2,590 mm can make the Jimny feel bouncy on broken urban roads.

Cabin, space, and tech

The Jimny's 5-door body (India-spec only) makes it far more practical than the 3-door version sold in other markets. The cabin seats four adults, though rear legroom is snug for taller passengers — the 3,985 mm overall length imposes real constraints. Rear passengers also miss out on dedicated AC vents, which is a notable omission at this price point. Boot space is rated at 208–211 litres with all seats up, expanding when the rear seats are folded.

The Zeta trim gets a 7-inch SmartPlay touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, manual air conditioning, and a rear camera. Stepping up to Alpha brings a larger 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system, automatic climate control, alloy wheels, LED headlamps with headlamp washers, push-button start, and cruise control. The Alpha AT additionally gains adaptive cruise control — a segment-first feature in this off-roader class. The cabin design is upright and boxy, with a retro aesthetic that references the original Gypsy, and build quality is solid if not plush.

Safety and ADAS

The Jimny's safety package is genuinely impressive for its segment and price. All six variants — from base Zeta MT to top Alpha Pro AT Dual Tone — come standard with 6 airbags (front, side, and curtain). This is a meaningful differentiator over some rivals that reserve full airbag counts for higher trims.

Beyond airbags, every Jimny gets Hill Hold Assist (prevents rollback on inclines), Hill Descent Control (automatically manages braking on steep descents), and Brake Limited Slip Differential (transfers torque to the wheel with grip when another loses traction). The Alpha AT variants add adaptive cruise control as the primary ADAS feature. The Jimny has not been rated by Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP at the time of writing, so a star rating is not available.

Variants and pricing

The Jimny is available in six variants. The entry point is the Zeta MT at ₹12.39 lakh (ex-showroom), offering the 7-inch touchscreen, 6 airbags, manual AC, and the full ALLGRIP PRO 4WD system. The Alpha MT steps up with the 9-inch infotainment, alloy wheels, LED headlamps, and automatic climate control. The Zeta AT brings the automatic gearbox to the base trim level. The Alpha Dual Tone MT adds a contrasting roof finish. The Alpha AT combines the full Alpha feature set with the automatic gearbox. The range-topping Alpha Pro AT Dual Tone is priced at ₹14,52,100 (ex-showroom) as confirmed by Maruti's official NEXA pricing page.

Waiting periods have historically exceeded two months across variants, reflecting strong demand relative to supply — a point worth factoring into purchase timelines.

How it compares

The Jimny's closest rivals are the Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha. The Thar is available with diesel and petrol engines, offers more power, and now comes in a 5-door Roxx variant — but prices overlap significantly and the Thar is larger and less city-friendly. The Force Gurkha is a more hardcore off-roader but lacks the Jimny's refinement, technology, and service network reach.

Against crossover SUVs like the Hyundai Venue or Kia Sonet, the Jimny offers genuine 4WD capability that those front-wheel-drive-based rivals cannot match, but it concedes interior space, ride comfort, and feature richness. The Jimny is not trying to be a family SUV — it is a purpose-built off-roader that happens to be usable daily.

Who should buy it

The Jimny is the right choice for buyers who prioritise genuine off-road capability, a compact footprint for mountain roads and city parking, and the reassurance of Maruti's pan-India service network. It suits adventure enthusiasts, hill-station residents, and those who want a characterful, distinctive vehicle that stands apart from the sea of monocoque crossovers.

Buyers who need five seats, a large boot, a smooth automatic gearbox, or strong highway performance should look elsewhere. Those who primarily drive in cities and rarely venture off-road may find the firm ride, heavy steering, and modest cabin space frustrating over time. But for its intended purpose — tackling trails, mountain passes, and broken terrain — the Jimny remains unmatched at its price point in India.